Plans to create a huge new Range superstore in Devon are set to be approved by city planners.

It comes despite fears from highway officials that the Seaton Hill development will lead to a 'significant' increase in traffic levels in and around Derriford, Plymouth.

The multi-million-pound scheme - to be rolled out over 3.69 hectares east of Tavistock Road next to Future Inns - is set to create 500 jobs .

Four-hundred staff would be recruited for the headquarters, with the remainder being spread out across the new shop.

A superstore, office space, cafe and 350-space car park are all proposed in the mega deal - which planning bosses hope will kick-start the 'future delivery' of development around the Seaton Barrack site.

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But Highways England is concerned that nearby Manadon Junction is already 'at capacity' - and recommends that a section of the entire development is not complete until the congestion- busting Forder Valley Link Road is created.

Traffic officials say the Range development will lead to 70 extra car journeys in the morning peak and a further 301 in the evening.

Addressing traffic issues in a report to be put before Plymouth City Council's planning committee next Thursday says: "The impact of these on the Manadon Junction it is a busy constrained junction and the percentage increase in flows identified of 10% could be significant additional volume."

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Council officers have recommended that the plans are approved, subject to conditions - mainly that Range officials cough up £100,000 for traffic improvements - cash developers pay towards local projects in a deal known as a Section 106 Agreement.

The majority - £95,000 - could go towards the Derriford Transport Scheme with the remaining £5,000 being set aside for improvements to Manadon Junction if they're needed.

A new access road is proposed along the eastern and northern edges with a combined footway and cycleway which will serve the wider site.

Artists' impression of the Derriford Range headquarters

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Design experts have praised the development for its proposed 'high quality' exterior appearance and 'modern finish'.

Local economists have 'strongly supported' the application, saying "the Range is a fast growing company we support decision to base its very significant HQ and training operations in its home city of Plymouth in association with a new flagship Range store."

The council's planning committee will pore over the proposals at a meeting in the Council House on Thursday, October 19, from 2pm.